The three friends radioed for help and in one last desperate attempt to lead rescuers to them, Mr Goodeve-Docker thrust his red-gloved hand above the snow.

But he died before help arrived, an inquest heard yesterday.

Before leaving home in Chilbolton, Hampshire, Mr Goodeve-Docker had described the pals’ plan for a 370-mile charity trek across Greenland as a “frankly nutty adventure”.

The three, who pulled sledges with two months of supplies, had ­already been delayed by bad weather.

They were dropped on to the ice by helicopter on April 25, with an emergency satellite phone.

But “idyllic” weather soon turned into furious winds which snapped their tent support poles.

Trek leader Roan Hackney, from New Cross, south-east London, said he spent his 31st birthday on April 27 fighting for his life.

“It was an excruciating battle to stay alive,” he told the Basingstoke hearing, with his arm still in a sling from his Greenland ordeal.

“The tent caved in on top of us. I was concerned we would suffocate. We huddled up, trying to preserve as much body heat as possible.

Andy Norman (L) and Roan Hackney arrive at the inquest, still bearing injuries from their ordeal

It was an excruciating battle to stay alive

Roan Hackney

“I kept trying to break into song to keep our spirits up. The possibility that we might not make it came to mind. It was not a game.”

In a phone call to Mr Goodeve-Docker’s frantic parents, the group were assured help was on its way. But there was no let-up in the storm.

Fellow trekker Andy Norman, 33, from Bracknell Forest, Berkshire, said: “Phil froze to death in front of me. I knew he was dead.” Mr Norman, who lost fingers and toes to frostbite, and Mr Hackney both fell unconscious ­before rescuers arrived on April 28.

Coroner Andrew Bradley, who told the hearing he had known Mr Goodeve-Docker, recorded a verdict of death by misadventure, adding: “Never was a verdict so appropriate.”

He said: “It is a matter of great sadness. This family has been known to me for many years.”

The team had hoped to raise £4,000 for the Queen’s Nursing Institute. Since Mr Goodeve-Docker’s death, ­donations have hit £18,000.

His family wrote on Facebook: “To our son, brother and friend, we are so glad that you were on your adventure that you had wanted to do for so long. You will be unbelievably missed.”